Aesthetics

This chapter introduces and defines aesthetics as a key concept in curriculum. The concept of aesthetics is elusive, but holds profound potential in education. In this chapter, the etymology and development of aesthetics is traced, and the notion of aesthetic experience in education is addressed through the words and ideas of John Dewey, Malcolm Ross, Elliott Eisner, and Maxine Greene. Inclusion of aesthetics as a key concept in curriculum is to reclaim the aesthetic and the artistic, and their intrinsic place and essential power in education. The introduction to the concept of aesthetics is accompanied by personal reflections on the key concept from two educators who further explore its relevance in human lives. The chapter concludes with suggested discussion questions for use in curriculum studies courses and by curriculum theory students.